“No, sir; I am no trapper at all, but a mere adventurer in these parts.” “Pooty story to tell them as will believe it,” he retorted, angrily. “I am sure it is immaterial with me whether you believe it or not. If I were a member of the Northwest Fur Company, I should not be ashamed or afraid to own it, as I believe that is as respectable and honorable as the one in whose service you are.” [Illustration: “A fight! a fight! make a ring for them.”] “Boys! do you hear that?” called out a fellow beside me. “Yer’s one of them sneaking chaps--a Nor’wester, and he’s insulted us--” “Beg your pardon, sir,” I interrupted; “I did no such thing.” “Do you hear that, I say?” he called out, without regarding my words. “Here’s a sneaking Nor’wester cracking up his party afore us.” I was so provoked that I made no reply or noticed him. His words attracted their attention, and, anxious to see the trouble, they gathered round. “What’s up?” demanded a stumpy fellow, pushing his head in between the others. “A fight! a fight!” “Make a ring for ’em.” “Blow me, if he don’t look like one o’ them Nor’westers as sent Governor Semple out the world.[6] Go in, Tom!” [6] In an affray between two parties, belonging respectively to the Hudson Bay and Northwest Fur Companies, the leader of the former, Mr. Semple, was shot by a member of the latter. This happened some years before the date of our story, but for a long time there was ill-feeling and frequent encounters between the members of the companies. “I’ll maul him as soon as I get in fightin’ order,” said Tom--he of my first acquaintance. Matters were now getting serious. A collision between the redoubtable Tom and myself seemed unavoidable. His impudent bravado and insults had roused me somewhat, and I made up my mind that I should withdraw nothing I had uttered, and bear none of his insolence. “What’s the row?” demanded another; “I don’t understand it.” “Why, here’s a sneakin’ Nor’wester,” answered Tom, “blowin’ ’bout things, and I’ve made up my mind I won’t stand it;” and he continued his war-like preparations. “That’s right, Tom, go in and win,” added several voices. “Gentlemen,” said I, “all I ask is that you shall understand this matter and show fair play--” “We’ll do that, you!” interrupted several. “In the first place,” I continued, “I have said nothing against the company in whose service you are. This man, whom you call Tom, accused me of being a member of a rival company; I replied I was not, although I should not be ashamed if such were the case, as I considered the latter as respectable as yours. He avers, however, I have insulted you, and seems determined to avenge it, and I am perfectly willing to gratify him. As I told him, I am not in the service of any company, but am a mere adventurer in these parts. With this explanation I am now ready for any proceeding he may wish.”